How to Be Airport Firefighter - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 23, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Many airports have their own fire departments or contract with local fire departments to provide fire protection and safety services. Airport firefighters are responsible for responding to emergency situations in and around the airport, such as fires, chemical spills, aircraft accidents, and medical emergencies. Firefighters must be trained to be able to respond to a wide variety of emergencies quickly and efficiently in order to protect passengers, employees, and property.

In addition, they must be knowledgeable in aviation operations, hazardous materials, and airport regulations. The effects of an airport firefighter's actions can be far reaching, as they help to ensure the safety of all those who use the airport. With their knowledge and expertise, they can help prevent disasters and minimize the effects of an emergency situation.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most airport firefighting jobs require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Pursue a Fire Science Degree. Although many airport firefighting jobs do not require a degree, having a Fire Science degree may make you a more competitive applicant.
Become a Certified EMT. Most airport firefighting jobs require applicants to be certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
Obtain Airport Firefighter Certification. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has developed a certification program for airport firefighters. This certification is often required for airport firefighting jobs.
Get Experience. Many airport firefighting jobs require applicants to have previous firefighting experience. You may be able to gain this experience through volunteer work or by obtaining a position as a firefighter in another setting.
Apply for Jobs. Once you have the necessary qualifications, you can begin to look for job openings in your area. Many airports post their openings on their website or through job search websites. You can also contact local fire departments or airports directly to inquire about any available positions.

Airport firefighting is a critical part of airport safety protocols, and is essential for ensuring the safety of all personnel and air travelers. The ideal airport firefighter must be competent in a variety of areas, such as fire prevention, emergency response, hazardous materials response, building construction and maintenance, aircraft rescue and firefighting, and support services. To become competent in these areas requires extensive training and experience, including practical experience in simulated aircraft fires and rescue operations.

airport firefighters must be highly organized and able to work quickly and efficiently in complex and stressful situations. being an ideal and competent airport firefighter requires dedication, determination, and a commitment to excellence.

You may want to check Fire Prevention Officer, Firefighter/EMT, and Fire Equipment Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Respond to emergency fire and rescue calls at the airport.
Lead other firefighters in responding to a variety of emergencies.
Operate firefighting equipment, such as hoses, pumps, ladders, and foam systems.
Inspect and maintain firefighting equipment and facilities.
Assess fire hazards and develop plans to prevent them.
Participate in drills and training sessions to stay abreast of best practices.
Educate airport personnel and the public on fire safety.
Investigate the cause and origin of fires.
Provide medical assistance to injured or ill persons.
Administer first aid, CPR, and other life-saving techniques.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of firefighting techniques, tools and procedures
Ability to work safely and efficiently under hazardous conditions
Ability to assess and respond to emergency situations
Ability to use and maintain firefighting equipment
Knowledge of hazardous materials and their associated risks
Knowledge of airport infrastructure
Ability to communicate effectively with airport personnel
Ability to work effectively in a team environment
Ability to follow directions and procedures
Ability to stay calm under pressure
Physical fitness and stamina
Ability to handle dangerous chemicals and hazardous materials

Being an airport firefighter requires a broad range of skills. From being able to navigate and operate firefighting vehicles in a safe and efficient manner, to having the knowledge of the most up-to-date firefighting techniques, it is essential to have a variety of skills in order to be successful. One of the most important skills any airport firefighter needs is the ability to think quickly and make decisions under pressure.

This is especially important, as airport fires can spread quickly and require an immediate response. Another key skill is having a solid understanding of the relevant fire codes and regulations, as these can help to determine the best course of action when in a fire emergency. Finally, physical fitness is important, as firefighters often need to work long hours in difficult conditions and need to have the strength and stamina to carry out their duties effectively.

Fire Protection Engineer, Fire Hydrant Technician, and Firefighter are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in emergency response situations?
What qualifications do you have that make you a good candidate for this job?
How would you handle a fire emergency on the runway?
What procedures do you follow for hazardous materials incidents?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision in a high-pressure situation.
How do you respond to critical feedback from your superiors?
Do you have any experience driving fire trucks or emergency response vehicles?
What safety protocols do you follow when responding to emergency situations?
What experience do you have working with other first responders (police, EMS, etc. )?
How would you handle a situation where passengers are injured during an evacuation?

Common Tools in Industry

Firefighter bunker gear. Protective gear worn by firefighters when fighting a fire. (eg: Firefighter suit, helmet, boots, etc. )
Fire Hose. A hose used to deliver water to extinguish a fire. (eg: PVC, rubber or canvas fire hoses)
Fire Extinguisher. A handheld device used to extinguish small fires. (eg: Carbon dioxide, foam or dry chemical fire extinguishers)
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Protective clothing and equipment worn by firefighters to protect against hazardous materials. (eg: helmets, gloves, goggles, breathing apparatus, etc. )
Thermal Imaging Camera. A device used to detect heat sources to locate victims and fires in dark or smoke-filled environments. (eg: Infrared cameras)
Rescue Stretcher. An apparatus used to safely and quickly move victims from a dangerous area. (eg: Stair chairs, gurneys, etc. )
Axes and Picks. Tools used to break through walls, doors and other materials in order to access victims and fires. (eg: Halligan tool, flat head axe, pike pole, etc. )
Handheld Radio. A device used to communicate with other firefighters at the scene of an emergency. (eg: Walkie-talkies, portable radios)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
National Airport Firefighters Association (NAFFA)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
Airports Council International (ACI)
International Association of Airport Executives (IAAE)
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)

We also have Firefighter/Driver Operator, Fire Management Officer, and Fire Marshal jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF). A special category of firefighting that involves responding to emergencies involving aircrafts.
Fire Chief. The highest ranking official in the Fire Department, responsible for the overall operation and management of the department.
Firefighter. A person who is trained and certified to respond to, fight, and put out fires.
Hazardous Materials. Substances that pose a risk to health, safety, or the environment if released in large quantities.
Incident Command System (ICS). A standardized approach for responding to emergencies, providing a framework for command, control, and coordination of personnel and resources.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Clothing and equipment worn to protect oneself from hazards in the workplace.
Pre-Incident Planning. The process of assessing potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate those risks before an emergency occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become an Airport Firefighter?

To become an Airport Firefighter, candidates must possess a valid driver's license, pass a physical fitness test, and complete the required firefighter certification program.

What type of equipment do Airport Firefighters use?

Airport Firefighters use a variety of specialized equipment, including breathing apparatus, fire pumps, ladders, foam and water delivery systems, and thermal imaging cameras.

How often must Airport Firefighters train?

Airport Firefighters must undergo regular training to maintain their certifications and stay up-to-date with the latest safety protocols. Training typically includes classroom instruction and hands-on drills.

What are the primary responsibilities of an Airport Firefighter?

The primary responsibilities of an Airport Firefighter include responding to fires, hazardous material spills, and medical emergencies; conducting fire prevention inspections; and providing educational outreach programs.

What is the average salary of an Airport Firefighter?

The average salary of an Airport Firefighter is $50,000 per year. Salaries may vary based on experience, geographic location, and other factors.

Web Resources

Airport Fire Fighter Course Description - University of Illinois www.fsi.illinois.edu
Airport Firefighting | LSU FETI rurallife.lsu.edu
Airport Firefighter Certification - oes.lsu.edu oes.lsu.edu